General Information
A cavity forms when bacteria in your mouth produce acid that gradually wears away your tooth’s protective enamel. Left untreated, this decay can spread deeper into the tooth and eventually cause pain or infection. The good news is that catching a cavity early usually means a simple, effective fix: a dental filling.
At Austin Smile Studio, we begin by gently removing the decayed portion of the tooth, then clean the area thoroughly before filling the space to restore the tooth’s shape and strength. We offer two main types of fillings to suit different needs and budgets. Tooth coloured composite fillings are made from a resin material that blends naturally with your smile, making them a popular choice for visible teeth. Amalgam fillings, a durable metal alloy, remain a reliable and cost effective option, often recommended for back teeth that handle heavier chewing forces.
Most filling appointments take less than an hour, and we use a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. Addressing a cavity promptly with a filling is almost always simpler and less expensive than waiting until the decay progresses to the point where a root canal or crown becomes necessary.
During your appointment, our team will walk you through which type of filling makes the most sense for your specific tooth and situation, taking into account the location of the cavity, the extent of the decay, and your personal preferences. We know that many patients feel some anxiety about dental visits involving a drill, so we take extra care to explain each step and check in with you throughout the procedure. Our Coquitlam office is equipped with modern tools designed to make the experience as efficient and gentle as possible. Regular checkups also help us catch cavities while they are still small, which usually means a simpler filling rather than a more involved repair down the line.
Cavities are extremely common, and needing a filling at some point is nothing to feel embarrassed about. What matters most is addressing it before decay spreads further into the tooth. Our Coquitlam team also talks with patients about prevention during filling appointments, offering practical tips on brushing technique, flossing habits, and diet that can help reduce the chance of new cavities forming. We see fillings as part of an ongoing partnership in your oral health, not just a one time fix, and we are always happy to answer questions about keeping your smile cavity free going forward.
Benefits
A timely filling protects both your tooth and your budget.
- Stops decay before it spreads deeper into the tooth
- Restores the natural strength and shape of the tooth
- Tooth coloured options blend invisibly with your smile
- A quick, comfortable procedure completed in one visit
- Helps you avoid more involved treatment down the road
Aftercare
It is common to feel some numbness for a few hours after your appointment while the local anesthetic wears off, so take care not to bite your cheek or tongue during that time. If you received a composite filling, you can typically eat normally right away, though it is wise to wait until the numbness fades completely.
Mild sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure is normal for a few days following a filling and usually settles on its own. Continue brushing twice daily and flossing to keep the area around your new filling clean and prevent further decay. If sensitivity lingers beyond a week or you notice pain when biting down, contact our Coquitlam office so we can check that your bite is properly aligned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common signs include visible dark spots on a tooth, sensitivity to sweets or temperature, or a small hole you can feel with your tongue. A dental exam can confirm whether a filling is needed.
Modern composite materials are strong enough for most everyday use, though your dentist may recommend amalgam for teeth that face very heavy biting forces.
We use a local anesthetic to numb the area before starting, so most patients feel little to no discomfort during the procedure itself.
Composite fillings typically last five to ten years, while amalgam fillings can last ten to fifteen years or longer with proper care.
You can usually eat once the numbness has worn off, though we recommend waiting a little longer before chewing on the treated side if you had a composite filling placed.
Untreated decay tends to spread deeper into the tooth, which can lead to increased pain, infection, and the need for more extensive treatment like a root canal.
Noticing a sensitive tooth or suspect you might have a cavity? Do not wait for it to get worse. Contact Austin Smile Studio in Coquitlam and our team will get you scheduled for an exam and, if needed, a straightforward filling.
